The Burma Meeting by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1909

The Burma Meeting

By J. L. Shaw

This meeting was held at Rangoon, Oct. 9-19, 1908. Nearly all of our little band of Sabbath-keepers in Burma were present. From Meiktila Brother and Sister Stevens and family and Brother and Sister Carapiet and Sister Lemon were in attendance. Brother Bertie came down from Mandalay, and the Burmese brethren and sisters came over from Moulmein, bringing with them a young Buddhist priest with whom Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer and Brother Hpo Hla had been studying the Bible. He had laid off his Hpoongia robes, and asked for baptism while in Rangoon.

Two meetings a day were held in English, and one in Burmese. The service at 8:30 A. M. took the nature of a Bible and Testimony study. Two lessons were given on the Holy Spirit. These were followed with studies on the spirit of prophecy. Those present took a real interest in the subject of the spirit of prophecy, and in the Testimonies which have come to us through this medium. Two or three complete sets of the “Testimonies for the Church” were ordered. Meetings were held daily with the Burmese brethren. They also manifested an interest in the subject of the spirit of prophecy. Sister Anna Orr conducted two studies with them on this subject.

A preaching service was held each day at 6 P. M. These services were well attended from the outside. Inasmuch as quite a number of those attending had been halting between two opinions, the importance of obedience and surrender to God was made prominent. God gave freedom to his servants in presenting his Word, and souls found freedom. Some who had been wavering for a year or more took a definite stand.

GROUP OF WORKERS AND BELIEVERS AT THE GENERAL MEETING IN BURMA

Sisters Caroline Votaw and Lucy B. Cook led out in the singing. They sang a number of soul-stirring songs. The sweet Spirit of God was continually present throughout the meeting. Brethren H. H. Votaw and R. R. Cook and others labored earnestly for souls, and their efforts were not without results. Chains were broken, and captives were set free. We feel confident that this gathering of our people was for good.

The last service was a social meeting. The fervent testimonies borne gave evidence of help received. Two sisters were baptized in one of the beautiful Rangoon lakes. Several others were formed into a class for further instruction and preparation for this solemn ordinance. A general meeting will, no doubt, be held each year, if possible, in Burma.

Sister Votaw left for America at the close of the meetings. In a letter just at hand from her from Colombo, she says she almost decided to return. Her better judgment, however, prevailed, and she went on on her journey to the States. A year in America will restore her exhausted energies for further work in Burma.

J. L. SHAW.